1998 Subaru Impreza 2.0L Petrol · R627 AHL
1998 Subaru Impreza (2.0L, petrol). First registered 20/04/1998. Recorded mileage 78,369 miles. MOT valid until 19/02/2027. Taxed until 01/02/2027.
- Make & Model
- SUBARU IMPREZA
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19/02/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/02/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,369 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1994cc
R627 AHL Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/02/2026
- 78,369 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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R627 AHL Mileage History
- 25/01/202474,117 mi
- 17/02/202678,369 mi+4,252 mi
- 20/02/202678,369 mi
Average of roughly 2,052 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
R627 AHL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Subaru Impreza (R627 AHL) between January 2024 and February 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 20 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (11 issues), Brakes (8 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise high caution. While the mileage
Focus your attention heavily on the chassis and structural integrity. The MOT record explicitly mentions suspension component mounting repairs covered in underseal on the nearside front, offside front, and offside rear; this is a significant red flag that requires a professional inspection to ensure the repairs are sound and not merely hiding further rust.
Verify that the steering rack gaiters and offside front suspension arm ball joint, which caused a failure in February 2026, have been replaced with quality parts. You should also negotiate the price based on the recorded wear of the brake discs and the history of underside corrosion.
The 1994cc petrol engine will be less fuel-efficient than modern equivalents, and as a 1998 model, it will sit in a higher emissions tax bracket. Maintenance costs for this era of Impreza can be elevated due to the age of the components and the specific requirements of the Subaru drivetrain.
Typical annual costs will include petrol, road tax, and insurance, alongside a budget for ongoing rust prevention and suspension upkeep. Given the age and recorded corrosion, a higher-than-average maintenance budget is recommended.
A thorough underside inspection is mandatory. The 2024 MOT specifically stated the 'under side of vehicle contains corrosion' and noted corroded brake pipes on the offside front and rear. Pay close attention to the coil springs, as all four were flagged as corroded in the 2024 test.
Specifically investigate the areas where underseal has been applied to the suspension mountings (NSF, OSF, and OSR). Use a torch or a professional lift to check for bubbling or softness beneath the coating, as this often indicates ongoing oxidation. Finally, check the battery security, which was noted as an advisory in the most recent test.
This 1998 green Subaru Impreza has covered 78,369 miles, which is below the model average. However, the MOT history indicates persistent corrosion issues, including corroded brake pipes and coil springs noted in 2024. The most recent tests highlight repairs to suspension mountings on the front and rear that have been covered in underseal.
The Impreza has a respectable average MOT pass rate of 82%, with the most common failure points being the exhaust, headlamps, and tyres.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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